Nicaragua’s Must See Destinations: Top Places To Visit

If you haven’t yet been thinking about visiting Nicaragua, this guide to Nicaragua’s must-see destinations might change your mind. It’s the largest country in Central America by land and has a lot of places to discover. We really loved this country, and for many reasons. You can find both beautiful beaches, Caribbean coast and amazing volcanos and so much more. In this guide, we’ll go through some of the top destinations to visit together with things to do and see in each place. If you are planning a longer trip through the region, make sure to also check out our Budget Travel Guide for 6 Months in Central America.

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Isla ometepe – Nicaragua’s Volcanic Treasure in Lake Nicaragua

Ometepe became our favorite place in Nicaragua. This island stands out as one of Nicaraguas most unique destinations and is definitely a must-see for anyone traveling the country. Ometepe is formed by the two massive volcanoes Concepción and Maderas that rise out of Lake Nicaragua, which is the largest freshwater lake in Central America. The landscape here is stunning, with forests, farmlands and rivers. Even though it’s mostly about the nature and relaxed atmosphere on the island, there’s also a bit of a party scene, with events like Wet Wednesday. Ometepe is for sure a highlight among Nicaragua’s must see destinations, with the unique combination of volcanic landscapes, nature and culture.

Why Ometepe is One of Nicaragua’s Must-See Destinations

Sometimes it can be hard to explain why a place is a must-see destination, and this one feels like one of those. First off, only that the island is shaped by two volcanoes was for us amazing. The views are stunning and the nature and vibe of this place is something that is hard to find anywhere else. Here, you can hike volcanoes, swim in natural springs or experience the local culture. There are also plenty of other activities, like trying out kite surfing or kayaking through the freshwater lake and mangroves, spotting different wildlife along the way.

Top Things to Do on Ometepe Island

• Volcano Hiking, Concepción or Maderas: If you are into hiking and up for a challenge, the volcanoes Concepción and Maderas can give you an adventure with stunning views of the island, the lake, and surrounding landscapes. Concepción is considered the harder one, with steeper trails and more challenging terrain. Maderas is a bit shorter but still demanding, with a crater lake at the top and rainforest along the way.
• Ojo de Agua: Natural spring with clear cool water where you can chill on a hot day. There is also seatings around and a restaurant to get drinks or food.
• Kayaking: Paddle through Río Istian’s wetlands to see turtles, birds, and caimans, or explore the wide-open waters of Lake Nicaragua. Both offer stunning views of the volcanos.
• Playa Santo Domingo or Playa Mango: Playa Mango is a small, lively beach with a bar and seating by the water, while Playa Santo Domingo offers long sandy stretches and scenic volcano views. Both are perfect for swimming and relaxing by the lake.
• Explore the island by scooter: Rent a scooter to easily explore beaches, viewpoints, and villages at your own pace.
• Punta Jesús María: A sand spit with stunning sunset views and volcano views.
• Petroglyphs: Explore ancient rock carvings at Finca Porvenir and other sites around the island, offering a glimpse into Ometepe’s pre-Columbian history.

Other things to do: Try kite surfing at Santa Cruz Beach, go birdwatching at Charco Verde Nature Reserve, or enjoy a cacao tasting experience.

San Juan del Sur – Surf, Sunsets & Social Vibe

San Juan del Sur is another spot that ranks highly on the list of Nicaragua’s must see destinations. It’s a popular beach town on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast with an amazing atmosphere. We especially enjoyed it for its surf spots and beaches, but the town also has a lively local culture with beachfront bars, unique shops, and friendly locals that make it a fun place to explore.

What Makes San Juan del Sur a Must-See destination

The nearby surf spots offers options for both beginner and experienced surfer, making it a great place if you are new to surfing and want to try it out. Besides surfing, San Juan del Sur also offers a great nightlife with for example the Sunday Funday pool crawl. It also have a lot of cute shops to explore and the iconic Christ of the Mercy statue that is looking over the bay. It’s a mix of adventure, coastal vibe and relaxation that makes it a really nice place to visit.

Top Activities in San Juan del Sur

• Surfing: Beaches like Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa are popular surf beaches with consistent waves suitable for different skill levels. Many surf schools in the area make it easy to rent boards and book lessons tailored to your skill level.
• Christ of the Mercy Statue: Do the small hike to the Christ of the Mercy statue in San Juan del Sur for views of the bay and Pacific coastline. This iconic landmark overlooks the town and is especially popular for breathtaking sunset views.
• Nightlife: Enjoy San Juan del Sur’s nightlife with beachfront bars and clubs popular with both locals and visitors. During the high season, you’ll find regular events like beach bonfires, live music performances, and the famous Sunday Funday pool crawl.
• Boat Tours: Take boat trips from San Juan del Sur’s harbor to explore nearby islands, spot dolphins, or enjoy fishing excursions.

Granada – Nicaragua’s Colonial Heart

Granada quickly became another favorite of ours. It’s one of the oldest cities in Nicaragua and is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. It’s definitely one of Nicaragua’s must-see destinations and a popular spot for travelers who want to experience history while having easy access to nearby natural attractions like volcanoes and lakes. The city also has a good selection of restaurants and nightlife, which makes it a solid base for exploring the region.

Why Granada is a Nicaragua Must-See Destination

Granada is full of history but also offers easy access to nearby nature. The colorful streets are beautiful, filled with colonial charm, and have a lot of cute stores to discover. There are nearby volcanoes and small islands to explore, which makes it a great spot for travelers seeking both culture and adventure.

Top Things to Experience in Granada

• Historic Center: Stroll Granada’s colorful colonial streets, visit the yellow Cathedral and relax in the Central Park.
• Treehouse Party: Just 20 minutes from Granada, this famous treetop party is a real unique experience with music, drinks, and sunset views. You can buy tickets on their website here.
• Masaya Volcano: An active volcano located approximately 20 minutes outside Granada, where you can see glowing lava, especially on clear nights. Shuttle services bring you close to the crater. Be sure to check the volcano’s current status, as the park sometimes closes access to the crater during high volcanic activity.
• Mombacho Volcano: Mombacho Volcano is a short drive from Granada, with cloud forest hikes and views over the city and Lake Nicaragua. The wildlife around make the hike even more enjoyable.
• Las Isletas Boat Tour: Explore hundreds of small islands on Lake Nicaragua by boat, spotting wildlife like monkeys, birds, and crocodiles while enjoying the views of the lake and nearby volcanoes.
• Calle La Calzada: Calle La Calzada is Granada’s nightlife hotspot, packed with bars, restaurants, and live music spots.

Other things to do: Visit the Mombacho Butterfly Reserve for a walk around colorful species, or explore the local markets to shop for fresh produce and handmade crafts.

León – Revolutionary History and Volcano adventures

León is another of Nicaragua’s must-see destinations that quickly became a favorite for us. It’s known for its revolutionary history and the city is top-spot for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and adventure seekers. León is also home to the largest cathedral in Central America and is close to some of Nicaragua’s top volcano experiences.

A Key Destination Among Nicaragua’s Must See Spots

León’s streets tell stories of Nicaragua’s past through museums, colonial buildings, and murals, so there’s a lot to explore. The city also has a big local art scene, and with several volcanoes nearby, it gives the perfect mix of culture and adventure.

Highlights in León

• Basilica Catedral de la Asunción: Climb to the rooftop of this UNESCO-listed cathedral for views over the city. Inside, admire beautiful religious artwork and discover the cathedral’s history.
• Cerro Negro Volcano Boarding: Hike up this black-sand volcano and race down its slope on a board. It’s a very fun and unique experience, and some hostels offer a party bus on the way back, making it even more fun.
• Museo de la Revolución: Insightful tours by former revolutionaries and powerful murals around the city.
• Las Peñitas & Poneloya Beaches: About 20–30 minutes from León, these Pacific beaches are great for surfing, swimming, or relaxing by the ocean.
• Art Museums: One of Central America’s best, showcasing works by Nicaraguan and international artists.
• Additional Volcano Hikes: Telica, San Cristóbal (Nicaragua’s tallest), and Momotombo offer great sunrise and sunset hikes. Out of these we only did Telica, and it was a really nice experience as we camped at the top with wild horses around and the sound of the volcano, plus amazing sunrise views.

Other things to do: León Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the ruins of the city founded in 1524 and abandoned after a volcanic eruption. For nature lovers, Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve offers kayaking through mangroves, wildlife spotting, and sea turtle watching during nesting season.

Corn Islands – Caribbean Island Paradise

Located on Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast are the two islands called Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island. It’s one of Nicaragua’s must-see destinations where you’ll find white sand beaches, clear water, and experience the chill island vibes. The pace is slower and a great place for snorkeling, diving, or just relaxing. Little Corn Island doesn’t have any cars and is especially loved by travelers looking for a slower pace of life. It’s quite a way to get there, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Why the Corn Islands are a Nicaragua Must See destination

First of, it’s absolutely beautiful. If you are looking for a more “beach” type of vacation this is a real must. Both islands have beautiful beaches, warm water and a lot of marine life. If you are into diving or snorkeling you will also love these islands. It gives more the chill, remote type of vibe so it’s perfect for slowing down and just relaxing and disconnecting.

What to Do on the Corn Islands

• Snorkeling & Diving: Both islands have soft, white sandy beaches, with coral reefs just offshore that attract snorkelers and divers. Expert guides offer trips to explore marine life and interesting shipwrecks.
• Blowhole on Little Corn: Experience the natural wonder of Little Corn Island’s blowhole, where ocean waves rush through a rocky opening, sending sprays of water high into the air, an iconic and memorable sight.
• Yoga & Wellness: Join outdoor yoga sessions surrounded by the islands’ natural beauty and fresh ocean air.
• Water Sports:  Kayak or paddleboard around the islands’ calm waters to discover hidden beaches and explore the coastline in an active, scenic way.
• Sunset Watching: Catch sunsets on Little Corn’s western beaches or beachfront bars, or head to Big Corn’s Coral View Beach Resort and pier for spectacular evening views.

Other things to do: Visiting local markets on Big Corn Island and going on sport fishing trips. Be sure to try fresh seafood dishes, including lobster and conch, seasoned with Caribbean spices.

Popoyo – Surfing and Coastal Vibes

Popoyo is mostly about surfing and has become a popular beach town for surfers and digital nomads. It’s growing with cafes, hostels and yoga spots, so even if you’re not into surfing you can still enjoy this place by the ocean, meet travelers and slow down.

Why Popoyo is a Must-see destination in Nicaragua

Popoyo is mostly about surf, so if youre not into that we think that it probably can become a bit boring. However, there is still opportunities to chill at the beach, connect with other travelers and enjoy other activities like yoga. There is also a famous party called Popoyo’s Secret, which is held at different hidden locations.

Top Activities in Popoyo

• Surfing: Some of Nicaragua’s best surf breaks, especially from October to April. Surf schools and camps welcome all skill levels, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.
• Nightlife: During peak season, Popoyo comes alive with different beach parties and the famous Popoyo’s Secret, with a fun atmosphere for both visitors and locals.
• Boat Tours & Fishing: Take boat tours along the coast for fishing trips or marine wildlife spotting, enjoying the stunning Pacific Ocean.
• Nearby Lagoons & Coastal Wetlands: Explore nearby lagoons and coastal wetlands, perfect for birdwatching and peaceful nature walks.
• Local Communities: Visit surrounding villages to experience authentic Nicaraguan culture, meet locals, and discover traditional crafts and cuisine.

Additional Must-See Destinations

Laguna de Apoyo

Between Granada and Masaya you’ll find the beautiful Laguna de Apoyo, a volcanic crater lake known for its clear, warm waters. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It’s surrounded by tropical forest and steep crater walls, the lake offers a peaceful natural setting that attracts eco-tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Along the shoreline, boutique resorts and cozy cafés provide comfortable accommodations and dining options.

Somoto Canyon

Somoto Canyon, located in northern Nicaragua, is one of the country’s most dramatic natural attractions. Travelers can explore the canyon with guided hikes, river swims, and tubing excursions that goes through narrow passageways and natural pools. It’s less crowded than other tourist spots and offers an off-the-beaten-path experience. The unique landscape make it perfect for outdoor lovers looking to escape the usual tourist trail and experience Nicaragua’s untamed landscapes.

Matagalpa

Up in Nicaragua’s cool, green highlands, Matagalpa is all about coffee and fresh mountain air. The hills are covered in coffee plantations, and many of them offer tours where you can walk through the fields, see how the beans are processed, and taste some of the freshest coffee you’ll ever have. There are hidden spots to explore like the Luna Waterfall, tucked away in the forest, or hiking trails with great views. It’s an escape from the coast, with plenty of ways to enjoy both the outdoors and Nicaragua’s coffee culture.

Estelí

Estelí is best known for its tobacco fields and handmade cigars that are famous worldwide. You can visit local factories to see how they’re made, from leaf to finished cigar. But it’s not all about tobacco, Estelí is surrounded by mountains and nature reserves like El Jalacate and Miraflor, where you can hike through cloud forests, go birdwatching, and maybe spot some wildlife.

Conclusion

Nicaragua has amazing nature and a lot of culture with many different activities and adventure. The variety of volcanoes, colonial cities and Caribbean beaches make this country a must-visit and it definitely has something for everyone. We really enjoyed our time here and our top places were Ometepe and León, since it had a vibe like nowhere else. For more travel inspiration in the region, check out our guide to the top 8 places in Costa Rica.